BRIGHT IDEA, DEADLY OUTCOME: The Shocking Truth About These Hazardous Lights

Published 26 Jun 2025

"Unicorn" LED linear luminaires 

Uncertified Unicorn LED Luminaires Pose Explosion Risk in Hazardous Areas

The EU Safety Gate has issued a critical safety alert regarding Unicorn LED luminaires (Models TB020, TB040ME2, TB060, TB075, TB080) falsely marketed as ATEX-certified for explosive atmospheres. These lights, sold via Alibaba, lack essential safety features and could trigger catastrophic explosions in Zone 1 environments with flammable gases.

If your facility uses ATEX lighting, this warning could prevent disaster, proving why false compliance is a lethal gamble.

Official Alert Reference: EU Safety Gate – Unicorn LED Recall

KEY DETAILS

Regulatory Actions:

  • EU-wide ban & mandatory recall

  • Criminal penalties for distributors

  • Market surveillance alerts issued

Category Details Compliance Status Risk Assessment
Brand/Model Unicorn TB020, TB040ME2, TB060, TB075, TB080 Non-Compliant (Confirmed Fake Certified) Extreme Hazard
Description Yellow LED linear luminaire (~60cm) Sold as Zone 1 compliant Actual Zone 1 ignition risk
Technical Specifications Marketed for explosive atmospheres Fails ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU & EN 60079-18 No explosion protection
Sales Channels Alibaba and unverified online platforms No authorised distributors identified High fraud probability
Country of Origin China No valid EU type-examination Uncontrolled manufacturing
Recall Information • Manufacturer recall (16/05/2025)
• Importer recall (16/05/2025)		 Active in Germany and Luxembourg Possibly still circulating

Why This Crisis Demands Immediate Action

The Unicorn lights were sold as “ATEX-approved” for Zone 1 but lack:

  • EN 60079-18 compliance (encapsulation “m” protection)
  • Proper thermal/mechanical safety testing
  • Genuine Notified Body certification

This is part of a dangerous trend:

  • Fake ATEX certificates cloned from legitimate products

  • Online marketplaces flooding industries with deadly fakes

  • Cost-driven buyers unknowingly risking lives

Unicorn LED luminaires

How To Protect Your Facility

Demand Full Documentation

    • Verify EN 60079-18 and ISO 80079-36/37 compliance

    • Confirm Notified Body certificates (4-digit NB code)

  2. Inspect Physical Markings

    • Genuine ATEX lights show Ex mb II T4 ratings (Zone 1)

    • Check for tampered labels or vague documentation

  3. Buy From Trusted Suppliers

    • Avoid Alibaba/unknown vendors

    • Use authorised distributors like Thorne & Derrick

  4. Report Suspect Products

    • EU Safety Gate 

    • Local hazardous equipment regulators

Thorne & Derrick

Thorne & Derrick: Your Trusted ATEX Partner

As a leading hazardous area equipment distributor, we:
Supply 100% certified ATEX lighting compliant with EN 60079, ISO 80079, and BS EN 14986.
Provide full test reports and Notified Body approvals.
Help clients avoid legal liabilities and operational disasters.

The Bottom Line:

  • Non-compliant ATEX equipment kills.

  • Always demand proof of certification—never compromise.

Further Reading